No. 5 Auburn @ No. 20 Kansas State
It’s a Thursday night showdown in Manhattan when head coach Gus Malzahn’s Auburn Tigers visit the Wildcats of legendary coach Bill Snyder. The Wildcat defense will have the pleasure of trying to slow down one of the nation’s most prolific rushing offenses. It will be the first real test for KSU which beat Iowa State 32-28 on Sept. 6. The Wildcats have had plenty of time to prepare for the Tigers, but it just won’t be enough… Auburn 35, Kansas State 21.

Eastern Michigan @ No. 11 Michigan State
Head coach Chris Creighton is doing an admirable job trying to build a winner at Eastern Michigan. After a season-opening win, the Eagles have scored just 3 points in their past two games and dropped a 17-3 decision to an Old Dominion team that was playing FCS football a year ago…Michigan State 49, Eastern Michigan 10.

Iowa @ Pittsburgh
Iowa lost to in-state rival Iowa State last week while Pittsburgh has started the season 3-0. The Panthers are averaging 45 points a game led by RB James Conner, a 6-2, 250-pound bruiser, who has 544 yards rushing this season. Pittsburgh will be tough to beat at home…Pittsburgh 27, Iowa 24.

Florida @ No. 3 Alabama
This matchup has lost its luster recently as the Gators have struggled. They struggled last week to beat Kentucky in three overtimes. Alabama hasn’t been challenged in three weeks. Make it four…Alabama 28, Florida 10.

No. 6 Texas A&M @ SMU
June Jones high-tailed it out of Dallas after SMU dropped its first two games by a combined score of 88-6. After a week off and a new interim coach, the Mustangs have the pleasure of welcoming No. 6 Texas A&M. No upset here… Texas A&M 55, SMU 7.

No. 22 Clemson @ No. 1 Florida State
The most highly anticipated matchup of the day will likely decide the winner of the Atlantic Division of the ACC. Both teams had an extra week to prepare for the game that will determine the fate of their respective seasons. Seminoles QB Jameis Winston will have a big night on national TV… Florida State 37, Clemson 20.

Miami @ No. 24 Nebraska
Since their opening game loss to Louisville, Miami has averaged 41 points a game. But, that was against Florida A&M and Arkansas State, not exactly FBS powers. Can the Hurricanes offense succeed against the Cornhuskers? It’ll be hard to win in Lincoln, especially against one of the nation’s leading rushing teams (324 yards/game)… Nebraska 31, Miami 17.

No. 2 Oregon @ Washington State
Mike Leach will attempt to swing his sword against second-ranked Oregon. The Cougars finally got their first win of the season last week, a 59-21 win over FCS Portland State. You can see where this one is headed… Oregon 63, Washington State 28.

Mississippi State @ No. 8 LSU
It would be a win of epic proportions for Mississippi State, which has started the season 3-0. The Bulldogs offense has averaged almost 44 points a game and the defense has held two opponents to three points or less. Those opponents were nowhere near the caliber of No. 8 LSU. The Tigers have recorded two straight shutouts… LSU 21, Mississippi State 3.

North Carolina @ East Carolina
East Carolina comes off a huge win over 17th-ranked Virginia Tech last week. QB Shane Carden already has over 1,000 yards passing. The Tar Heels are talented and will catch the Pirates as they come down from their big win a week ago…North Carolina 44, East Carolina 34.